Product Data Specification Manager

Kraft Heinz; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Nijmegen, Netherlands, seeks a Product Data Specification Manager to lead governance, data integrity, and process improvements across our international portfolio.

You will collaborate with R&D, Process Governance, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Commercialization to ensure accurate specifications and timely commercialization while driving KPI enhancements and system improvements.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience managing global teams in specifications or quality systems.
• Experience with specification systems and data governance processes.
• Familiarity with GS1 standards preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and multi-priority handling.

Responsibilities

• Lead Specification Governance & Operational Excellence.
• Lead governance, creation, and continuous improvement of R&D product specifications to ensure data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the primary SME and escalation point for specification processes, systems, and governance.
• Build and drive process improvements, KPI development, system enhancements, and training initiatives to strengthen specification management and improve execution.
• Support implementation of regulatory, ESG, compliance, and business-driven data changes while ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Apply an end-to-end process mindset to improve specification workflows, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to support commercialization timelines, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead and develop a high-performing global team through coaching, performance management, and resource prioritization.
• Foster collaboration and accountability across regions and functions to ensure consistent execution and high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve technical, process, and specification-related challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Global teams

Data governance

Specification systems

GS1 standards

Stakeholder management

Data quality

Process improvement

Job description

Intro

We are looking for an experienced and driven leader with a passion for process improvement, data quality, and operational excellence. This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution while driving accountability across a complex global organization. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, builds strong cross-functional partnerships, and continuously looks for opportunities to improve processes, systems, and team performance through scalable and user-focused solutions. In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening specification governance, improving data integrity, and supporting efficient commercialization across the enterprise.

Product Data Specification Manager at a glance

The Product Data Specification Manager leads the creation, management and maintenance of material, packaging, and product specifications across our international portfolio. This role serves as the subject matter expert and primary escalation point for specification data, business rule compliance, and specification processes. You will partner closely with teams across R&D, Process Governance, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Commercialization to ensure accurate, compliant, and high-quality product data while supporting commercialization timelines and business needs. This role also drives process improvements, KPI management, training, and system enhancements to strengthen specification governance and improve data quality and operational excellence across the organization.

Key Ingredients

• Lead Specification Governance & Operational Excellence
• Lead the governance, creation, and continuous improvement of R&D product specifications to ensure data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and escalation point for specification processes, systems, and business rule governance
• Build and drive process improvements, KPI development, system enhancements, and training initiatives to strengthen specification management and improve execution
• Support implementation of regulatory, ESG, compliance, and business-driven data changes while ensuring alignment with global standards
• Apply an end-to-end process mindset to improve specification workflows, governance, and cross-functional collaboration

Drive Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to support commercialization timelines, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
• Lead and develop a high-performing global team through coaching, performance management, and resource prioritization
• Foster collaboration and accountability across regions and functions to ensure consistent execution and high-quality outcomes
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve technical, process, and specification-related challenges

Recipe for Success

• Leadership experience managing global teams within specifications, product data, or quality systems environments
• Experience working with specification systems, digital platforms, and data governance processes
• Familiarity with GS1 standards and industry best practices preferred
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to proactively identify and drive process improvements and change initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

We hope you find a seat at our table!

We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't perfectly match the description

Location(s) Nijmegen

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.